If I were archery or muzzle loader hunting I would feel a little under gunned with a 45ACP as a back up sidearm for bear or other critter protection. A few summers ago I visited Shedhorn Sports in Ennis, Montana. A lot of the sales staff working there were part timers. Their primary profession was as big game guides. I talked to several of these fellas and to a man their first choice for a backup hand gun was a Glock 20SF. They liked the capability of the 180gr 1300 FPS 10mm heavy loads for bear, etc encounters. For me personally I will carry a 10mm, 44 spcl or 44 mag.

Dave, The Shedhorn is one of my favorite gun shops. I can spend a fair amount of time in there, when I stop in.

_________________NRA Life MemberUSMC Life Member“If violent crime is to be curbed, it is only the intended victim who can do it. The felon does not fear the police, and he fears neither judge nor jury. Therefore what he must be taught to fear is his victim.”People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf.George Orwell

I am a police firearms instructor. I have carried all manner of semi-auto's to include the Glock. I currently am allowed a choice of duty weapon. I choose to carry a Sig P226R in 9mm. I am old enough to have carried Model 10 and 13 S&W revolvers when I first started out.

If I need a bear gun you can bet I'm carrying any one of my .41 Maggies or .45 Colt revolvers. If I'm getting charged, knocked over or rolling in the dirt, I don't wanna worry about stove pipes, FTF, popped mags, jams, etc.............To each his own, M'erica

I can't think of any Ruger that would be a good gun for bears. How is a bear supposed to work a slide, cock a hammer, cycle a bolt, or drop a lever? then there is the whole issue of grip geometry, loading, holsters or slings. I just don't think bears have any business with any type of gun. : )

_________________"Many's the child come this high to get from the mountain what he couldn't find in his own nature down below"

Opened the string fearing the often-repeated messages. Not this time. Good! The popcorn is gone and the beer is getting warm, so my message needs to be short:

The best gun for bear is the strongest handgun you feel comfortable shooting under extreme pressure.

That's it for me.

I wholeheartedly agree. For me, it is a Ruger® New Model Blackhawk® 4⅝" barrel 41 Remington® Magnum. I load it with these...• https://www.underwoodammo.com/collections/handgun-ammo/products/41-remington-magnum-265-grain-lead-wide-long-nose-gas-check?variant=18786989998137

My father was a DI in WWll, and taught me AIMED Fire. Fast forward to my time in LE where they taught “speed rock”, which is draw and fire from the side of your chest-unaimed essentially for that really close encounter. You should not use the “ speed rock” if you are using a ported gun. I really enjoyed the Marksmanship Matters article, it basically re-enforced my thoughts on the subject.gramps